Sony to launch Google TV in 80 markets?

It seems Sony is planning to launch its Google TV boxes in around 80 markets globally. Well, we aren’t the ones suggesting it, Euronews is. In a press release issued today (to announce its partnership with Google TV/Sony), the European news channel states that Euronews is a partner in the global launch in 80 countries of two new Sony boxes specially designed for the smart TV platform of the internet giant.

Yes, Euronews is talking about some 80 markets, where two Sony Google TV boxes (read: Sony NSZ-GP9, NSZ-GS7) are going to be launched. This is the first time we are hearing about such a big-scale launch of Google TV, which is until only available in select countries.

Sony has only officially announced its plans to release (or already launched) the Google TV boxes in United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil, and Mexico.

So, till the time Sony officially announces, we are going to take this information with a pinch of salt.

If you want, you can read the full press release issued by Euronews:

Euronews and Google TV, partners for world-wide launch

At the IFA international trade show for consumer electronics in Berlin, Euronews, the leading international news channel in Europe, announced its new partnership with Google TV.

The Euronews application for Smart TVs is now available on 11 platforms.

Lyon, France, 3 September 2012 – Since 2010, Euronews signed agreements with the world’s main television set manufacturers, in anticipation of the convergence between the internet and television.

Thanks to its success on Google TV in the United States since March 2012, Euronews is a partner in the global launch in 80 countries of two new Sony boxes specially designed for the smart TV platform of the internet giant. The international news channel will be available in the section reserved for applications recommended by the Sony Entertainment Network.

Google TV gives access on demand, at any time, to the content of the English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish services of Euronews. Users can watch the latest news bulletins in the “News” section, or the cultural magazines “Cinéma” and “Le Mag,” along with the emblematic Euronews programme, “No Comment.”

In a rapidly-expanding smart TV market expected to reach 480 million units by 2016, this new partnership reflects the ambition to make the Euronews brand truly multi-platform for viewers all over the world.

Walid Chamak, Head of marketing for Euronews, said: “Extending presence on Google TV allows Euronews to assert its world leadership in smart TVs, while advancing the channel’s goal to become the benchmark as an international news hub. In an era of hyper choice, we are committed to making Euronews hyper accessible by offering the right product. These new agreements round out our multi-media offering which stands as one of the best-developed on the market. Some of our advertisers are already taking advantage of this new opportunity.”